tragic flaw

American  

[traj-ik flaw] / ˈtrædʒ ɪk ˈflɔ /

noun

Literature.

1. the character defect that causes the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy; hamartia.

---

tragic flaw British  

noun

1. a failing of character in the hero of a tragedy that brings about his downfall

---

Etymology

Origin of tragic flaw

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

History reflects humankind’s most tragic flaw: Humans are incapable of protecting themselves from themselves.

From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2023

Like, “I just love too hard” or, “My tragic flaw is that I care too much!”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2022

In this telling, Coriolanus’ overestimation of her own savvy is a tragic flaw.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2017

It might have been Tressel’s tragic flaw to love not wisely but too well, seeing his players as his children and himself as the person best positioned to discipline them.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2016

He couldn’t easily promulgate it, though, because he had a tragic flaw: a severe speech impediment, perhaps a stutter.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann